Its twentieth annual the world, suffering a privation of all | speculation. social intercourse, and denying them- meeting was held on Thursday mornselves all the accommodations of civil- ing, May 13th, at the City of London ized life, in order that they may com- Tavern; Josiah Reyner, Esq. in the municate to the benighted heathen a chair. knowledge of salvation through that Saviour whom they preach, they have a moral right to expect from their fellow Christians of all denominations, that temporal support which the exigencies of their case demand. Humanity towards the Indians, and justice to themselves, plead strongly in their favour; and we cannot persuade ourselves, that those missions which they have established at the peril of their lives, some of which have flourished upwards of fourscore years, will be permitted to perish in the commencement of the 19th century, through the want of temporal support. In the missionary department, the Moravians have borne the burden and the heat of the day. A steady and undeviating line of rectitude has marked their career. They have entered regions in which the sound of the Gospel had never been heard; and have explored the wilderness through untrodden paths. They have disdained to court the eye of observation, or to listen to the voice of applause; while, in many instances, their own hands have ministered to their necessities. In the success of their unremitting labours, perhaps they stand unrivalled. They have derived less assistance from a generous public than almost any other denomination of Christians; and have given most unequivocal proofs, that they only hope for their recompense in the resurrection of the just. From their own resources they have hitherto chiefly derived their supplies; and if these now fail them, it is unhappily through the operation of causes, which, by their peaceable demeanour, the tendency of their principles, and the influence of their precepts, they have been endeavouring to banish from the world. On these accounts we cannot but view them as genuine objects of true Christian regard; and we sincerely hope that they will always receive that needful support, to which they seem to be so justly entitled. RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY. THIS institution has been established many years, and its general utility is now no longer a subject of doubtful The Report which was read at this meeting, began with giving an account of its operations in foreign parts; adverting to the formation of similar societies in Germany, Prussia, Sweden, Iceland, and the Russian empire. It appeared, also, that in France its principles operate with considerable force; and that in North America the societies formed for the distribution of tracts are greatly on the increase. In the West Indies, in Africa, in the East Indies, and even in China, great numbers of tracts have been distributed in the vernacular languages of the people; but with what effect must be submitted to the disposal of infinite wisdom. . The total number of tracts issued during the last year, amounted to 4,043,321. Of these, 150,000 were in sheets, designed for sticking against the walls in dwelling-houses, workshops, and The to manufactories; 351,000 were folded, and chiefly designed for children; and upwards of 1,000,000 were of the hawkers' series. tal loss on those with which hawkers had been supplied, and on such as had been given for various purposes, both at home and in foreign parts, amounted to upwards of nine hundred pounds. Within the twenty years, during which this society has been established, the whole number of tracts issued from the various depositories connected with it, was stated to exceed thirty millions. At this anniversary the principal speakers were the following: -Thomas Pellatt, Esq. Rev. T. P. Bull, Capt. Smith, Rev. Dr. Steinkopff, Rev. Legh Richmond, Thomas Thompson, Esq. Mr. Howard, from Hamburg, and the Rev. Mr. Mudie. The speeches which were delivered on this occasion were full of zeal and animation, and accompanied with a degree of eloquence, which the characters of the speakers had taught the audience to expect. Several instances were given, in which the distribution of tracts had been attended with beneficial effects. And among the multitudes which were circulated, it was but fair to infer, that instances had occurred equally striking with those that had been noticed. Mr. Mudie stated, that he had frequently distri-lishment, they lay their hands upon buted tracts among the sailors while her Articles, and claim them for their crossing the ocean. In one instance, own. The opposition of Popery there, he gave a tract to a cabin boy, who is like the last echoings of the thunder read it again and again with no small dying upon the ear. The priest feels degree of agitation: at length, in a his weakness, shakes his palsied head, paroxysm of rage, he took the little and curses the inquirer; but the time pamphlet, and dashed it on the floor; is fast approaching when he shall curse but, as if unable to cast it off, he took no more. it up, and read it once more. "Before the day, however, was over, I had," said Mr. Mudie, "the happiness to see this lad on his knees." IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY. ON Tuesday, May 11th, 1819, the fifth annual meeting of this society was held at the London Tavern; Thos. Walker, Esq. in the chair. The principal speakers in this assembly were, the Rev. Mark Wilks, Rev. Dr. Collyer, Rev. Mr. Morrison, Rev. Dr. Waugh, Rev. Mr. Urwick, Mr. O'Connor, Rev. Mr. Roberts, Thomas Wilson, Esq. Rev. Mr. Evans, Rev. Matthew Wilks, Rev. Dr. Bogue, and the Rev. John Davies. The great object of this institution is, to evangelize the inhabitants of Ireland, by circulating among them the true knowledge of those Scriptures, which, in many places, they are still forbidden to read. Of the state of this priest-ridden country, many melancholy pictures were drawn by the various speakers, founded chiefly upon actual observation, and arising from events of daily occurrence. The valence of superstition, and the moral degradation of the people, were drawn in affecting colours; making, in their results, a forcible appeal to the hearts and understandings, as well as to the purses, of those who were present. Much, it was stated, had been already pre done; but much still remained, to call forth the active exertions of every friend to humanity, to virtue, to rational knowledge, and to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Adverting to the distressed state of Ireland, Mr. Roberts made the following observation: -"While that country is thus weakened, and torn by internal divisions, Popery, more eager than the hungry vulture, preys upon the famished victim. But Popery is now on the retreat. You can scarcely get a priest to hold an argument. Superstition is decreasing; and, though the agents of this society have been represented as enemies of the EstabNo. 5.-VOL. I. Mr. Evans stated, that several Catholic families had been relieved, in a time of peculiar distress, by a society of which he had the honour to be an almoner. One of the women who had been thus relieved, was prevailed upon to send her children to the Sunday School. She was asked, Why do you send your children there?" To this she replied, "These people sent to me in my distress: I was hungry, and they fed me; naked, and they clothed me; I had no bed to lie upon, and they gave me one; and now they give my children education: I have half a mind to be a Protestant." If any thing were necessary to inform us, that faith without works is dead, this circumstance would teach the salutary lesson. Unless the ministers of the Protestant churches, whether established or dissenting, outpreach and outlive the Catholic clergy, all attempts to draw the people from the superstitions in which they have been nursed, will prove abortive. Of the purity of principles, and the theory of orthodoxy, few only can judge; but the effects and consequences resulting in acts of true Christian benevolence, all can discern, and all know how to appreciate. WIDOWS' FRIEND AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETY. THE design of this institution is not merely to relieve Widows, but to succour distressed Females, who, through sickness or unforeseen calamities, have been brought into a state of affliction, and having no friends on whom they can rely, or being at a distance from their homes. Of this benevolent Society, the ninth annual meeting was held on Thursday evening, May 20th, at Bridewell Hospital; the Rev. H. Budd in the chair. It appeared from the Report which was read, that during the last year 913 individuals had been relieved, and 6000 visits paid; and also that twenty-six tons of potatoes had been distributed. During this period, the donations and subscrip 21 tions had amounted to £1,190, which, | formation of manners; but with no after defraying every expense, had left a balance of £150 in the hands of the Treasurer. But at this time, as they had 622 individuals on their books, this sum could not be expected to last long. Among the facts which were connected with the Report, respecting the objects of compassion that had fallen under the notice of the Committee, the following incident excited peculiar interest. A young woman, 19 years of age, had been enticed from her home by a young man, with whom she had unhappily formed a connection. Her father was a farmer, who resided some miles from London, and she was comfortably provided for under his hospitable roof. But, unfortunately, having fallen in company with a specious villain at a ball, he prevailed upon her to leave her home, and repair with him to London. His persuasions and fair promises proved too successful, and they arrived in the metropolis, where, after a few days, she found herself abandoned by her seducer, with only one pound in her possession to provide for her subsistence. Being greatly reduced, she was discovered, after some time, by a gentleman belonging to this Society, who, learning from her the melancholy tale, and the place in which her friends resided, made them acquainted with her condition. Means were soon used to restore her to the arms of an afflicted parent, who received her with tears of joy, and rejoiced to think, that his daughter had been rescued from utter destruction by the aid of this benevolent association. Connected with this institution is a Ladies' Benevolent Society, for the assisting of poor Lying-in Women. It appeared from their Report, that during the preceding year 98 cases had been relieved; that their stock of linen consisted of 20 boxes; that their contributions and subscriptions had amounted to £75, and their expenditure to £80. SOCIETY IN SCOTLAND FOR PROMOT ING CHRISTIANITY IN THE HIGH- Ir appears that this institution took its rise so early as 1701, from the benevolence of a few public-spirited individuals in Edinburgh, who formed themselves into a society for the re design to extend the influence of their exertions beyond this metropolis and its vicinity. The activity, however, of its directors, and the discretion with which they managed their affairs, by giving publicity to their intentions, acquired for them a degree of respectability, and an addition of patronage, which they had by no means anticipated. This increase of fund, of power, and of influence, soon gave extension to their field of usefulness, until it reached those distant regions of the North, which at that time were buried in ignorance and superstition. Prior to this time, clergymen had been established in the various parishes; but, from the vast extent of these parishes, the labours of the ministers were rendered comparatively inefficient. The primary object of this institution is, to impart, gratis, religious instruction to the poor. For this purpose, schools were erected in various parts. These now exceed 300, and contain upwards of 20,000 children. These pupils are said to be under the superintendence of able and diligent teachers, subjected to the management and direction of the parochial clergy. In addition to this, 23 missionaries are employed, and also several superannuated teachers; and the beneficial influence of their united exertions is so conspicuous on society, that a moral reformation may be said, in no small degree, to have been effected. The whole population of the Highlands is computed at nearly 400,000 souls, among whom the advantages resulting from this Society are daily diffused. And it is but just to state, that the long acknowledged reputation, which, for purity of morals and superiority of intelligence, connecting itself with the Scottish peasantry, has so decidedly distinguished them, is in no small degree owing to the happy effects of this institution. Soon after this Society began to acquire reputation, a patent was obtained, in 1709, to give it stability; and on this establishment there are nearly 14,000 scholars, who receive nothing but instruction. But by a second patent, granted in 1738, all the additional pupils are also instructed in manual occupations. The expense of this Society is stated at about £5000 spondents. This, we then intended publishing in the next number of the Imperial Magazine; but its insertion was postponed, for reasons which we have now an opportunity of assigning. We have this day, July 6th, receiv minding us of the preceding, and inquiring the cause of its not being inserted, as we had given him some reason to expect. This article is intended as a reply to his question. per annum, including the instruction of some in those districts where the Gaelic language is spoken, and the support of two missionaries employed among the Tartars and the North American Indians. The patronage with which the Society is honoured, is in the high-ed from Veritas another letter, reest degree respectable. The Dukes of Kent and Sussex are joint Presidents; and the Dukes of Bedford and Wellington, together with several Noble Lords, are among the Vice-Presidents. With this Society there is a Corresponding Board, in London, the anniversary meeting of which was held at the Freemasons' Tavern, on May the 19th; the Right Hon. Lord Saltoun in the chair. By those who attended, the great object of the Society was kept in view; and a readiness to support it was fully evinced by the liberal subscriptions that were announced by the Secretary. Some few spoke on the occasion; among whom was the Rev. Dr. Collyer, whose eloquence rarely fails to command attention and respect. His observations tended to enforce the necessity of continuing their united exertions to suppress vice, and to give permanency to virtuous principles, in order to ensure virtuous practice. His letter dated April 21st appeared to us, on mature examination, to involve a serious charge, that seemed to fall indiscriminately on a large body of respectable individuals, who are actively engaged in the support of some benevolent institutions. Now, as Veritas was personally unknown to us, and we were unable to vouch for the authenticity of his statements, we hesitated to give his letter to the world, until we could ascertain to what extent the charges it contained were applicable. Under these impressions, we have made various inquiries into the conduct of the Collectors for the Bible and Missionary Societies; but we have not hitherto received any replies, inducing us to believe that the charges brought against them, can be supported by any thing more than an appeal to a few solitary facts. We know of none, besides those of which Veritas has informed us; and these, we fear, would not justify our insertion of his letter as it now stands. But that the object, which, we believe, from the best motives, he had in view, may not be wholly lost, we here subjoin a few extracts. To such benevolent institutions as those to which we have adverted, in this and two preceding numbers, the world is highly indebted for those mild and meliorating principles, which have to a certain degree, already softened the ferocity of the human character. Past successes give directions for our future conduct; and, so far as we are capable of connecting in our views the end which we have in pursuit, and the means through which it is to be "The evil to which I allude is that obtained, nothing seems better calcu- of the Collectors or Solicitors of Relilated than benevolence, to accomplish gious Societies, employing improper a moral revolution in the world. In and unhallowed influence, where it the present state of things, the pros- can be used, over the objects of their pects are fair; but much remains to be solicitation. The small circle of life in done: nor can we suppose that the ex- which the writer of this moves, has ertions of active virtue will be rendered produced more than one instance of unnecessary, until the earth shall be persons in respectable life, one of them renewed in righteousness, and all flesh a female, menacing those whose hands shall see the salvation of God. and whose genius are honourably engaged in procuring a slender subsistence, to withdraw from them their wonted patronage, and to transfer it to some more submissive plebeians, &c. &c." TO VERITAS, ON BENEVOLENT INSTI TUTIONS. ON the 21st of April last, we were favoured with a letter bearing the signature of "Veritas," which we noticed in our acknowledgments to Corre "I should be glad, did the cause of But the complaint terminate here. is another evil, existing to a gre extent than that I have mentioned. I now refer to the industry with which the interviews and conversations the above persons have had with those, whom, in the discharge of their laborious function, they have visited, have been retailed in their social or official circles; of course, with the customary advantage of increase and hyperbole." Wherever facts like these exist, we concur with Veritas in opinion, that they cannot be too severely reprobated. It is a species of persecution, and is doing evil that good may come. The innocent, however, ought not to be involved in the reprehensions which only the guilty merit; and from the known character of those who take the lead in the support of these noble institutions, we feel the utmost confidence, that nothing more is necessary to put a final period to these irregularities, than their being known. From the tone and manner in which Veritas has written his letter, we have every reason to believe him friendly to these benevolent institutions, which are so honourable to our country: neither do we impute his observations to any worse motive, than that of wishing to wipe off the spots with which the lovely picture appears to be disfigured. Should he not be altogether satisfied with the extracts we have taken, and with the remarks now made on the occasion, by signifying his opinion, and communicating his name in confidence, his whole letter shall appear in the next number of the Imperial Magazine. Answer to Queries, inserted p. 377. TO THE EDITOR OF THE IMPERIAL MAGAZINE. SIR, HAVING read in your excellent Magazine for June, p. 377, an article, which contains two important questions, I take the liberty to send you some observations on each, which, I hope, will tend to diminish their difficulty, if they cannot be deemed satisfactory. The questions to which I allude are stated as follows:-" Quest. 1st. How am I to distinguish the evil propensities of my heart, from the temptations of Satan?-Quest. 2d. How am I to distinguish the operations of the Spirit of God, from what is called Conscience?" With respect to the first of these questions, I answer thus. The evil propensities of my heart are displayed, when I deliberately commit an act which I at that time know to be sinful, but in which I chuse to indulge, rather than do violence to my unholy desires, by cutting off the right hand, or plucking out the right eye. These evil propensities are principally manifested in our besetting or habitual sins. The temptations of Satan, on the contrary, appear, in my opinion, accompanied with distinct characteristics. When Satan has power over me, I am rather hurried into the commission of sin for want of deliberation, than led to the act through the influence of my natural propensities. He takes an advantage of my unwatchfulness; and, lulling my conscience asleep, conducts me to the fatal deed, during this state of temporary delirium. But conscience, delivered from the spell, soon awakens with sevenfold vengeance, and arms its reproaches with all its stings. The observations which I have made on the first question, are intimately connected with the remarks I have to make on the second. When my conscience, after I have done wrong, either through the evil propensities of my nature, or the temptations of Satan, loads me with its upbraidings, and brings upon my soul a consciousness of guilt, I am led thereby to fear God; but my conscience cannot deliver me from the condemnation which I feel. It only informs me that I have done wrong, and creates horror; but it does not create in my heart that love to God which I ought to have. I may fear, and yet not love, God. Conscience, when awakened, may lead to the former; yet nothing but the delightful influences of the Spirit of God can produce the latter: and this love, accompanied with additional light, guides me in the performance of that which is pleasing in the sight of God. I have frequently found, in my own experience, a sufficient proof of what I have thus stated. When the Holy Spirit was not in operation, conscience bore testimony to my guilt; but it certainly did not teach me to love God. But now, having the Spirit, I realize a great change; and I have no doubt, that my experience corresponds with that of other Christians, since I am persuaded that it is conformable to the Word of God. I hope that these brief statements |